Which nutrient deficiency in the pregnant adolescent may result in decreased birth weight due to low bone mineral density in the fetus?

Which nutrient deficiency in the pregnant adolescent may result in decreased birth weight due to low bone mineral density in the fetus?

• A. Zinc
• B. Iron
• C. Calcium
• D. Folic acid

Answer: (C)

Calcium is the key nutrient for fetal bone mineralization and for maintaining the mother’s bone health during pregnancy, and this is especially important in teens who are still building their own bone mass. When a pregnant adolescent doesn’t get enough calcium, the fetus relies on the mother’s calcium stores and dietary intake to mineralize its skeleton. If intake is insufficient, the fetus may not accumulate adequate bone mineral content, which can contribute to lower birth weight due to impaired skeletal development. Teens are at higher risk because their own calcium needs are large for bone growth, and the third trimester greatly increases fetal calcium demands. Zinc supports overall growth but isn’t the primary driver of bone mineralization. Iron deficiency affects oxygen delivery and maternal anemia rather than fetal bone density. Folic acid is crucial for neural tube development and cell growth, not specifically for skeletal mineralization.

Calcium is the key nutrient for fetal bone mineralization and for maintaining the mother’s bone health during pregnancy, and this is especially important in teens who are still building their own bone mass. When a pregnant adolescent doesn’t get enough calcium, the fetus relies on the mother’s calcium stores and dietary intake to mineralize its skeleton. If intake is insufficient, the fetus may not accumulate adequate bone mineral content, which can contribute to lower birth weight due to impaired skeletal development. Teens are at higher risk because their own calcium needs are large for bone growth, and the third trimester greatly increases fetal calcium demands.

Zinc supports overall growth but isn’t the primary driver of bone mineralization. Iron deficiency affects oxygen delivery and maternal anemia rather than fetal bone density. Folic acid is crucial for neural tube development and cell growth, not specifically for skeletal mineralization.